Spring Training camps open today. I expected to write that a month ago, but whaddayagonnado? The principal players in the bad production called “The Odious Baseball Lockout of 2022” provided the drama and suspense needed for good theatre, but the audience certainly suffered for it. At least there was a happy — if unsatisfying for some – ending. Whatever. As the clarion calls went out this week, “Baseball is back!” And certainly not a moment too soon for us Mets fans, whose dream off-season was rudely interrupted by labor shenanigans. So as those camps open, the expected free agent/trading frenzy is on. As we’ve come to be unsurprised by, GM Billy Eppler has dived right in.
Last night, Eppler swung a trade with the shredding Oakland A’s for starting pitcher Chris Bassitt. It cost AAA arms J.T. Ginn and Adam Oller, and while these two may have been the Mets’ two minor league pitchers closest to the Bigs, the move solidifies the Mets’ rotation beyond what we could’ve imagined, short of signing Carlos Rodon or Clayton Kershaw, two free agents they missed out/passed on. A rotation of Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Bassitt, Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker looks quite formidable – on paper, of course, because that’s what March is – and would be what is known as a “tough out” come playoff time.
And that’s the thing: we can talk seriously about “playoff time” and mean it. It’s not a platitude or a pipe dream. This trade for Bassitt is a win-now move for a win-now team: this is his last year before free-agency. Could you imagine the Wilpons or any of their minions making this deal? This trade is a reflection on owner Steve Cohen and the new attitude he’s brought to Queens. For that matter, this just-opened lockout could be viewed as being all about Steve Cohen, but that’s a topic for another day. Anyway, the additions of Bassitt, Scherzer, outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha and third baseman Eduardo Escobar signal that these guys mean business. These unfamiliar faces in the blue and orange might take some getting used to, but we fans will have no problem with that. We did it in 2006 and that got us to the doorstep of that year’s World Series, but for some unfortunately placed pitches and lack of timely swinging. No, we will gladly take getting used to the new guys’ mannerisms, tendencies and foibles if it means pennant race baseball in 2022. And that will be a different place, itself. As a result of the labor settlement, MLB has added a payoff spot in each league, bringing the total berths to 12. Oh, if this had been in place in the ‘80s! But anyway, this means that the Mets now have a much better shot at October baseball than ever. Their everyday line up is strong and as mentioned, their starting rotation could be ferocious.
So, what is still to be done? Opening Day is just over three weeks away and the Mets could use a couple of more bullpen pieces and the lack of a lefty in that stellar-looking rotation could be troubling. And, as always, we have to hope for good health for deGrom, Carrasco and Walker, all coming off one injury or another. It would also be desirable to find nice landing spots for would-be trade candidates Dominic Smith, J.D. Davis and Jeff McNeil. The team also needs to make a decision on impending free agent Brandon Nimmo, who could be the 2022 version of Michael Conforto. They’ve got 25 more days to figure this stuff out, but Eppler, Cohen and team President Sandy Alderson have done alright so far. There is more confidence in them accomplishing our goals then there has been in 37 years. It’s a different ballgame in Queens and, really, all throughout baseball.
Same ol’ Mets? I don’t think so.
With the playoffs expanding to six teams and the upgrades with to position playing, it should guarantee a playoff berth. The acquisition for Scherzer and Bassitt pairing up with deGrom, they are constructed to be able to be a dominant playoff team in the current playoff format. It is a different ballgame in Queens and the Mets have done right so far.
Has the Feel of the Nats adding Corbin to Max and Strasberg. If the top 3 has good health I like our odds.
And the hits just keep on coming: Adam Ottavino signed this morning, just in time to replace Jeurys Familia who signed with the Phillies yesterday.
Familia and Ottavino are similar. On paper, Familia is better and younger and that is why he will be making $2M more. Ottavino should be an adequate replacement and he is a new, fresh face that didn’t experience the 2021 collapse.
We are in good shape although I’d like one more big bat in the lineup – someone who can compete with and motivate Alonso. I also agree that they should not let the Nimmo call head down to the wire. The big knock is he can’t stay on the field, so you can’t be sure of what you will get from him. Let’s get this party started!
It will be interesting to see what the next moves are. I can’t see them going into the season with Smith as their only reserve outfielder. I would expect some trades for relievers. Josh Hader would be nice. Ha
A while back I heard that Jesse Winker could be had for a cheaper package. Since then I have been dreaming of adding his LH bat to the lineup. How about Smith, McNeil, Davis, a prospect… in some combination? Rosario too, might be a nice fit, but Winker’s a better player, very good hitter. They need a LH outfielder… shoot, I’ll bet lanky Winker can play 1B, too. Good athlete.
I hate that guy!
Trading Smith, Davis or McNeil at this point had better net some prospects for the team. I feel like another outfielder or a second baseman no longer make sense and the Mets have limited payroll left for any veteran reliever worth trading for.
There’s more to come! They need a Fourth OFer with some pop, and a reliever or two. Have to think at least one of Dom,Davis and MnNeil will be traded.
I feel like Davis and Smith are goners, for different reasons. Davis is only a DH at this point. He can pay LF better than he can the infield, but his lack of speed severely limits his range. Great arm. Somebody wants his .280/.330/.500 ability pretty bad. I feel he clogs up the Mets’ roster though.
Smith is just done. Sleep apnea strikes again. Can he play? Yes. Will he perform? Highly doubtful. He’s cheap, and somebody wants him on their bench. He is not the 4th OF on a good team. Buck’s gotta know this.
McNeil’s a keeper for now, unless he’s unwanted in the clubhouse. Huge upside if he can overcome inertia. I personally don’t think he can. Seems like a stubborn guy to me. But versatile enough, mediocre in several positions. One more bad year though and he is worth nothing on the market…